The 33-year-old is a free agent after leaving Chelsea in June following eight trophy-laden seasons at Stamford Bridge.

Cole was offered a new contract by the Blues on reduced terms and decided to find a new challenge following the end of his international career, which came when he was excluded from England's World Cup.

Despite interest from the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and AC Milan, Cole has settled on Roma, who will compete in next season's Champions League after finishing second in Serie A last season.

His agent, Jonathan Barnett, has admitted Cole has been considering a move abroad although he denied that a destination had been finalised.

Cole is a three-time Premier League champion, twice with Arsenal and once with Chelsea, and also has seven FA Cup winners' medals - more than any other player - and won the 2008 League Cup.

He was also part of Chelsea's Champions League winning team in 2012 and went on to win the Europa League a year later.